P-47 An Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of the Utilization of Personal Protective Eyewear Among Welders Employed in Large and Small Scale Companies in Georgetown and East Coast Dem

Design and Methods: A cross-sectional study design using the qualitative method was used to collect data anonymously from welders aged 17 to over 45 years of age in small and large scale industrial companies in Georgetown and East Coast of Guyana. Data collection was obtained by using pre-tested paper and pencil structured questionnaires; consisting of open and close-ended questions.

Results: A 95% confidence interval was used to determine the significant associations of the variables. A total of 72 respondents, with 96% response rate, were interviewed. All of the participants were male with the median age of respondents being 17–25. Arc eye 61 (84.7%) was the most common injury welders were exposed to, followed by cuts 60 (83.3%). 59 (81.9%) reported that they experience burns while 54 (75%) experienced foreign body. Electric shock 52 (72.2%) had the least amount of reported injuries. A vast majority of the respondents documented that they utilized protective devices frequently with that being 46 (68.1%) goggles, 59 (81.9%) face shields, 61 (84.7%) helmets, 63 (87.5%) gloves, 29 (40.3%) overalls and 36 (50%) using sunglasses as alternative protective device.

Conclusion: The majority of welders in this study are aware of welding-associated ocular health hazards and devices to protect the eyes during welding. However, there were still reported cases of ocular injuries among the study population. As such, occupational eye health Programs should be implemented by stake holders.